Dr. Tonya M. Matthews Named International African American Museum New CEO
The International African American Museum has found the final piece for the massive global project that will change the landscape of African American history and its curation. Seventeen months after breaking ground on the museum, its board of directors has selected as their CEO, Dr. Tonya M. Matthews. Dr. Matthews, an experienced executive, thought leader, and educator, has proven track records in organizational leadership, strategic planning, diversity and inclusion, program development, project management, and vast visitor, and community engagement initiatives. She is founder of The STEMinista Project, a ground-breaking, national initiative that inspires middle-school girls to consider tools and careers in STEM. The initiative uses a collective impact program design...
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Karla Trotman and Electro Soft: The legacy that keeps on giving
For Karla Trotman, legacy isn’t just a six-letter word for generational success - it’s a motivating force ignited by desires to inspire, uplift, and encourage the Black community to pursue goals normally deemed unobtainable. Trotman is the President and CEO of Electro Soft, Incorporated, America’s largest Black-owned electronics manufacturing and engineering firm. An origin story of family traditions and shared careers, Trotman’s journey into the business world began with a front-row seat to the thriving Pennsylvania-based electronics-manufacturing company. Established in 1986, Electro Soft is the brainchild of Trotman’s parents, Jim and Sheila Wallace. Despite it’s familial value, the supply chain expert says following in her parents’...
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Renee Montgomery Makes History in Purchasing WNBA’s Atlanta Dream
By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent Renee Montgomery, a two-time WNBA champion and vice president of the Atlanta Dream, has purchased a stake in the franchise and is now co-owner. Montgomery is the first retired player to own and serve as an executive of a WNBA team. The superstar and her two partners, Larry Gottesdiener and Suzanne Abair of Northland Investment Corp. take over the team that was once co-owned by former U.S. Sen. Kelley Loeffler (D-Ga.). “With the unanimous WNBA and NBA votes, marks a new beginning for the Atlanta Dream organization, and we are very pleased to welcome Larry Gottesdiener and Suzanne...
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Beware of these financial myths about retirement
by Krista WignallFor New Pittsburgh Courier Many people look forward to retirement and all the enjoyment it can bring after having worked so hard for decades. But from a distance, whether a few years or many years away from retirement, it’s not easy to clearly see what retirement will look like. It’s a bit misty, because, after all, there is a lot of uncertainty about the future, and how much money someone will need during retirement and have on hand is subject to numerous variables. But in the process of looking ahead, some people miscalculate, in part because they are not fully informed, says Dariusz Godlewski (financialwealthalliance.com),...
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Target to spend over $2B with Black-owned companies by 2025
by Sherri KoladeMichigan Chronicle Target announced recently to spend over $2 billion with Black-owned businesses by the end of 2025, Black Enterprise reported. Target made the pledge to add more products to its shelves from over 500 Black-owned businesses and work with more Black retail companies to enhance retail operations and shopping experiences, according to the article. Target will also introduce new opportunities to assist its Black-owned resources in growth for their businesses. Those resources entail a new team geared to giving vendors support to help propel Black-owned companies optimize their brands in mass retail as part of a new program created by Target called Forward Founders. “We have...
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Diary of a Serial Entrepreneur: Five things I’ve learned
Yimaj “Steve” Kalifa has mastered the art of reinvention – and, he has been so successful at it, that executives from major corporations and federal agencies now seek him out for advice. Often life has chapters, he likes to say, but sometimes you have to write whole new books to succeed. Growing up near Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Kalifa’s first reinvention was realizing the power of context and environment. He had to near the center of the global economy, where his outsider status would let him see new opportunities that U.S. natives and industry veterans might overlook. So, 30 years ago, he moved to Los Angeles. He soon spotted Rap Pages magazine. It was owned by adult-entertainment mogul...
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Kimberly Godwin named president of ABC News, first Black woman to lead a major broadcast news network
Courtesy of ABC News CBS executive Kimberly Godwin has been named the next president of ABC News, becoming the first Black woman to lead a major broadcast news network. She replaces James Goldston, who left the network last month after seven years in that role, and will start in early May. Godwin will oversee editorial and business operations for broadcast, digital, streaming and audio news across the organization, including the No. 1 programs "Good Morning America," "World News Tonight with David Muir" and "20/20," and the growing streaming channel ABC News Live. "I have immense respect and admiration for ABC News," Godwin said in a statement....
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High-Ranking Cincinnati Contractor Gains Ownership in Construction Company
James Watkins, president, and COO of TriVersity Construction is steadily making moves in all the right places — with his latest one netting him a minority ownership stake in the construction firm he leads at, the Cincinnati Business Courier reported. Watkins is now part-owner of the company, which solidifies even further its efforts to be more inclusive. On Tuesday, April 6, TriVersity Construction announced that Watkins made his purchase of minority stake in the firm, effective April 2, according to the article. CEO Mel Gravely II is the company’s majority owner — Messer Construction also owns a minority stake, the story added. Per a statement, Watkins...
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Workplace reopening? Put employee safety first
Of all the milestones in our nation’s COVID-19 recovery, workplaces reopening is one of the biggest. As millions of people start returning to offices, classrooms and more, the hope of progress is tempered by concerns for safety. Everyone deserves to feel safe at work. How can employers help make that happen? The key is planning ahead, says Christopher Gill, vice president of EnviroPro Solutions. “Having enough supplies, the right equipment and clear information—all of these are important. They do more than just keep the workplace safe and sanitized. They help employees feel confident about returning.” Here are 5 easy steps employers can take to help build...
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The Business of Black Beauty: Why More Black Women Aren’t Represented
By Megan Kirk Actor and comedian Chris Rock released a film in 2009 centered around Black women and the beauty industry. Taking a closer look at the relationship between Black women and their hair, the film “Good Hair” uncovered truths about the significant role Black women play in the multibillion-dollar industry. It also helped to highlight the versatility of Black hair and why Black women dominate the hair and beauty business. In 2019, Essence magazine reported that African Americans spend $1.2 trillion each year on hair and that number is expected to rise to $1.5 billion in 2021. In the ethnic beauty market, Black consumers spent...
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